Wow, I was really feeling sorry for myself and now it seems I had little justification for complaint after reading all of your stories!!
I have been struggling with restless legs and arms, etc and freaked out about it one night. The next night, my face went numb. Of course, all of my symptoms and negative thoughts were exacerbated by my attempt at being Dr. Internet Search and so I had diagnosed myself with numerous things before I'd even visited the ER. My doctor visit was disappointing since, even though the appropriate blood tests were ordered, I was advised I should consider help for my aching joints which should not be aching at my age. That is very helpful advice yet I never at any stage said my joints ached. That visit resulted in total mistrust of my doctor and left a very bad taste in my mouth re: clinicians in general. I was dismayed at my attitude following my experience given my scientific pursuits in mind and mental health.
I was intent on having a wonderful Christmas, despite the above, and I did. But, the day afterwards I decided to try the hot sauce my husband bought me for Christmas because it won some awards in Oklahoma in 1999 for TASTE. There are various warnings on the side of the bottle but I thought they were a joke not real warnings!! And so, I liberally doused a tortilla chip with some hot sauce and, yes, my face and throat burned. Milk was poured down my gullet to no avail! I was told that I ran in place and held the top of my head but I don't remember any of this
. After ten minutes or so, the pain in my throat and face subsided and it was all very funny to me during and after anyway.
I sat down to watch a movie about twenty minutes later but felt sick. I told hubby to keep the movie going and I would just throw up quickly! I found I couldn't throw up so I went upstairs and tried to make myself throw up because I had started to sweat and shake and the nausea was increasing. I tried to lie down on the bed but my stomach started to HURT more than anything I have ever felt in my life. I sort of laughed thinking it was all a misunderstanding (maybe too much booze the day before clouding my judgment?). Then, I screamed like a banshee and I think I yelled that my stomach was burning. My husband came to the bathroom where I was doubled up on the floor screaming. He asked me if I needed the ambulance (lol @ asking me btw - duh?) and I said yes and continued to scream and sweat! I went to the bed and fainted apparently for the second time. My stomach stopped hurting and suddenly my arms were numb and drawing up towards my chest with clawed hands. I wondered at it but was relieved that my stomach no longer hurt.
By the time the ambulance got to the house, I was all better. I was pale and clammy but all else ok...
The English man laughed at me saying that he'd never experienced anything like this episode in 11 years and I laughed with him as I was so glad the ordeal was over. He suggested I may have an ulcer which was not known about until pain triggered via the hot sauce.
Anyway, that is my story and it all sounds really dumb now and it also sounded dumb at the time.. so much so that, once the ambulance driver left, I showered the sweat from me, went downstairs and asked, "Who's ready for chicken and movies?"
hahahaha - just looking at that hot sauce now makes me feel sick but it won't defeat me! I just need time to tackle it appropriately..